DMA updates BLA accreditation process to provide greater accessibility to B2B marketers

After a thorough review and evaluation of the Business List Audit (BLA) scheme, the DMA has changed the accreditation process for the scheme, auditing both data and the data collection process.

Key to these changes is the introduction of a physical data audit. All companies that apply for accreditation will be visited by the DMA compliance team, who will take away a sample set of data which will then be independently checked for content, transparency and duplication. These changes will make the scheme more robust and a number of additional improvements will be made over the coming months to reflect member and industry feedback.

The Business List Audit was established in response to the needs of both advertisers and practitioners for a high assurance standard in data transparency and hygiene. The aim of the BLA is to address key industry concerns such as the varying standards of data collection, data hygiene and data processes and create an industry standard for B2B lists.

Having created the framework for the BLA, the DMA sought the views of the industry to improve and develop the scheme to ensure the DMA offered a quality audit which would be respected and recognised by direct marketers. The majority of BLA members have now been re-accredited and all member companies will be visited to complete the audit process by the end of March.

Neil Matthews, DMA Compliance Manager said, “The Business List Audit is a scheme much needed by the industry but it was important that we made a number of improvements in order to provide the quality and accessibility expected by the industry. The improvements made will make the process easier, yet more robust and help the BLA become a recognised industry standard for B2B marketing.”

In addition to updating the online accreditation process, the DMA will be updating the website content over the coming months and will focus on raising awareness of the scheme through a series of member and industry-wide communications.

For further information please contact:

Liz Bastone
DMA PR Manager
Tel: 020 7291 3315
Email: liz@dma.org.uk